English Literature Paper 2 An Inspector Calls Eva

English Literature (Paper 2): An Inspector Calls – Eva Smith Reduce In no more than 50 words, summarise how Eva Smith is presented in the play as a whole: Find quotations Select at least 6 quotations from the play that you could use to answer a question about the character of Eva Smith. Read the information on Eva Smith is clearly presented as a victim of social injustice throughout the play. She is moral but vulnerable and symbolic of the poor, working class who suffered hardship under those like the Birlings. The existence of Eva is brought to the attention of the audience by the Inspector, who arrives at the Birlings’ home to interrogate them about their involvement in her death. The Inspector describes her using the adjective ‘pretty’, suggesting youth, vitality and exuberance. Immediately, the audience feel a sense of sympathy for Eva and in turn, disgust at the behaviour of the Birlings and their actions that have destroyed the life of this young girl. Once they shun her, Eva has no where to turn. There was no support for the lower classes at this time and employers could essentially dictate how their workers lived based on how much they paid them. Perhaps Eva has the surname ‘Smith’ because it is common. Therefore, Priestley’s message relates to more people. In fact, in his final speech, the Inspector says ‘there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us. ’ Although she does not physically appear in the play, Priestley gives the lower class a presence through Eva. Priestley humanises the lower class for his audiences, saying they have ‘hopes and fears… suffering and [chances] of happiness. ’ In this respect, the importance of Eva cannot be downplayed. She is the driving force behind the play and her character is keenly felt throughout the events of the evening. Eva is forced to adopt different personas in order to survive. When she meets Gerald, for instance, she calls herself Daisy Renton. Her choice of name here is both interesting and significant. ‘Daisy’ is a flower, suggesting innocence and naivety. However, flowers can easily be crushed and when she is turned away by Mrs Birling, Eva has no one to turn to and she becomes another victim of a cruel society that is unwilling to help her. Magpie Select at least 3 key words from the response that you could use when writing about Eva Smith. Make sure you define them. KEY WORD DEFINITION Success Criteria Using the mark scheme, highlight where the assessment objectives have been met in the model paragraph. AO 1 – Read, understand respond to texts. Use quotations and discuss them. AO 2 – Analyse the text using subject terminology. AO 3 – Include social and historical context. Criticise ‘Eva is not the weakest character in the play’ To what extent do you agree with the above statement? Use your knowledge of the entire text to help you answer.